Common Yarrow (also known as Milfoil, Bloodwort, Thousand-leaf)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Achillea, Species: Achillea millefolium · Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family) · Compound (bipinnately or tripinnately divided into numerous fine segments), deciduous herbaceous perennial
Species
Achillea millefolium
Leaf Type
Compound (bipinnately or tripinnately divided into numerous fine segments), deciduous herbaceous perennial
Family
Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Linear to lanceolate in overall outline, but heavily dissected with numerous fern-like segments
Size
Approximately 3 to 6 inches long and 0.5 to 1 inch wide on the stem, with basal leaves growing up to 8 inches long, which is typical for this species
Margin
Pinnatifid to deeply lobed and toothed along the fine segments
Arrangement
Alternate along the upright, rigid stem
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Muted olive green to dried herb green due to pressing, with finely textured fern-like foliage that often possesses a slight woolly pubescence in living specimens
Venation Pattern
Reticulate, though obscure due to the extremely narrow, thread-like width of the ultimate leaf segments
Texture & Surface
Finely textured, somewhat soft and pubescent to touch in living specimens, currently appearing dry and papery due to being pressed as a herbarium specimen
Description
Common Yarrow is a hardy herbaceous perennial featuring a stiff, erect, unbranched stem clothed in highly divided, feathery leaves that give it a fern-like appearance. At the summit sits a dense, flat-topped flower cluster (corymb) composed of many tiny white to pale pinkish flower heads. The entire plant releases a strongly aromatic, slightly sweet and medicinal scent when crushed.
Key Features
Deeply bipinnate or tripinnate feathery leaves resembling fern fronds, alternate arrangement, upright furrowed stems, and flat-topped clusters of small white composite flowers
Habitat
Found in open fields, meadows, grasslands, roadsides, waste areas, and disturbed soils; prefers full sun and well-drained, dry to medium moisture soils
Geographic Range
Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere across North America, Europe, and Asia, and widely naturalized globally
Condition Notes
Pressed herbarium specimen in good condition, structurally intact with clear diagnostic leaf and flower structures preserved
Interesting Facts
Named after the Greek hero Achilles, who allegedly used the plant to staunch the bleeding of his soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War. It is also known as 'nosebleed' because inserting a fresh leaf into the nostril can induce nosebleeds to relieve headaches.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used as a styptic to stop bleeding, as a diaphoretic to reduce fevers, and in teas to aid digestion. Widely planted in butterfly gardens and used as a dynamic accumulator plant in permaculture to enrich soil with minerals.
Ecological Role
Serves as an important nectar plant for beneficial insects, predatory wasps, hoverflies, and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity and functioning as a resilient pioneer species in disturbed soils
Similar Species
Can be superficially confused with other members of the carrot family (Apiaceae) like Poison Hemlock or Wild Carrot (Queen Anne's Lace), but Yarrow is easily distinguished by its strongly aromatic, finely feathery, alternate leaves and distinctive Asteraceae flower heads.
Foraging Tips
Look for yarrow in summer along sunny field edges and hiking paths. Identify by rubbing the finely divided, fern-like leaves to release its unique, medicinal aroma before looking for the characteristic flat-topped white flower clusters at the top of the stem.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic; ingestion of large quantities can cause contact dermatitis, stomach upset, and can be toxic to livestock or pets if consumed heavily. Pregnant women should avoid using yarrow medicinally.